He was the Gators’ offensive coordinator from 2005-2008 and won two national championships here before becoming the head coach
at Mississippi State from 2009-2017. During his tenure at Florida, the Gators averaged averaged 37.7 points per game. The
Gators averaged more than 42 points in each of Mullen’s final two years — a feat accomplished one other time in school history
(1994-1996).

He wore the 2008 national championship ring on the flight to Gainesville.

“I’ve never worn this one,” he said. “I’ve got the ’06 one in the bag if you want to see it.”

Mullen is hoping to get more during his second stint in Gainesville.

Fans are, too, considering how the past two coaching regimes have fared.

Through the Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain eras over the last seven years, Florida has gone 52-36 and averaged less than 25
points per game in four of the past five seasons.